February | 2026 | IL Flat Land British Car Club – Champagne British Car Festival (CBCF)

The Champagne British Car Festival returns to Central Illinois May 29–31, 2026celebrating its 35th year as one of the Midwest’s premier gatherings for British car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Hosted by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club, this three-day festival in Bloomington, Illinois blends classic motoring, scenic drives, and unmatched camaraderie into a memorable weekend for participants and spectators alike.

A Full Weekend of British Motoring Experiences

The 2026 festival weekend kicks off on Friday evening, May 29, with a Welcome Reception and Event Packet Pickup at the Chateau Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington. The popular British Pub Mixer offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new enthusiasts, and enjoy an informal gathering surrounded by classic British machinery.

On Saturday, May 30, activities center around Cars & Coffee at Davis Lodge at Lake Bloomington, followed by the much-anticipated Scavenger Hunt Rally, scenic drives through Central Illinois, and the return of the Boot Sale / Swap Meet. Attendees can buy, sell, or trade parts and memorabilia straight from their car boots or the Boot Sale Room in the Davis Lodge, Lake Bloomington. Saturday evening concludes with the CBCF Banquet and Charity Silent Auction, featuring guest speakers highlighting the history and cultural importance of Illinois Route 66.

Sunday Car Show at the David Davis Mansion

The highlight of the weekend takes place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with the All‑British Car & Motorcycle Show held on the scenic Clover Lawn of the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington. The show is free to spectators and showcases more than 125 British vehicles spanning decades of motoring heritage, from iconic classics to modern interpretations.

Union Jacks and marque flags will line the historic grounds as attendees enjoy live music, food vendors, and popular‑vote judging across more than 30 marque‑specific classes. Awards include Best of Show and People’s Choice, making every entrant part of the excitement.

Featured Marque for 2026: Mini & MINI Cooper

The 2026 Featured Marque shines a spotlight on all Classic Minis and modern MINI Coopers, celebrating the design, performance, and personality that made Mini a global icon. From early classics to contemporary models, Mini owners are encouraged to register early and be part of one of the largest Mini showcases the festival has hosted.

Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re a longtime British car owner, a casual admirer, or attending for the first time, the Champagne British Car Festival offers:

A welcoming, multi‑marque community
Scenic drives and interactive activities
A historic setting unmatched by typical car shows
A family‑friendly atmosphere celebrating British motoring culture

After 35 years, the festival continues to blend tradition with fresh experiences, making 2026 a milestone celebration not to be missed.

Mark your calendar, polish your chrome, and join us in Bloomington for a truly British motoring weekend at the 2026 Champagne British Car Festival.

Click HERE to pre-register

Click HERE to pre-register

What’s happening at the Champagne British Car Festival THIS YEAR?

Welcome Reception & Event Packet Pickup – Friday, May 29, 2026, 5:00 to 8:00 PM –We’ll be keeping the popular Friday evening Welcome Reception & Event Packet Pickup sponsored by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club (IFLBCC) at The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center. Pre-Registered entrants will have the opportunity to pick up their weekend information packet and stay for our British Pub Mixer. Along with the cash bar, we’ll be providing a variety of sandwiches and snacks to enjoy as you renew old friendships and make new ones. We’ll have lots of group parking outside the Conference Center where an impromptu car show is sure to develop.

Cars & Coffee at the Davis Lodge, Lake Bloomington – Scavenger Hunt and Boot Sale – Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – The Davis Lodge, will be the hub for all of Saturday’s activities until the sit-down banquet at the Chateau Conference Center. Davis Lodge, Davis Lodge Rd., Hudson, IL (Directions)

Our 2026 Scavenger Hunt and other Special Activities will take advantage of the area’s lake roads, small town sights and area restaurants. Participants will pick up their Route instructions at the 9:45 am Driver’s Meeting *MUST ATTEND to receive your route instructions.

The Boot Sale/Swap Meet IS BACK with a twist! Boot Sale items can now be displayed ALL DAY at Lake Bloomington’s Davis Lodge. The Lodge will accommodate items in both the parking lot and in the Boot Sale room of the lodge.

Got some extra parts? New? Used? Memorabilia? Shop Manuals? Here’s your chance to sell or swap them. Tuck them into the boot of your car and bring them along!!

Watch the What’s New? section of the www.IFLBCC.club website for more details.

CBCF Banquet & Silent Auction – Saturday May 30, 2026 – 5:30 PM – Saturday’s activities will be capped off with our traditional CBCF Banquet. The sit-down banquet will again be held in the renovated Chateau Hotel and Conference Center’s ballroom. We’ll have designated parking to display our cars and provide lots of opportunities for mixing with fellow enthusiasts before dinner.

Plan to enjoy a presentation by local Route 66 experts on the cultural and historical importance of this storied highway. From kitschy roadside attractions such as Atlanta’s Giants Museum to one of Route 66’s finest examples of a 1930’s era service station. Central IL offers visitors the very best of America’s heartland right here in Illinois.

Our Charity Silent Auction will be BACK for 2026! The CBCF British Car oriented Silent Auction will also be available throughout the evening.

CBCF Car Show – Sunday May 31, 2026 – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM– The weekend culminates with the Champagne British Car Show on beautiful Clover Lawn of David Davis Mansion, Bloomington, IL. The David Davis Mansion provides a wonderful backdrop to display over 125 British cars at this popular annual event, organized by members of the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club. The festival includes music, vendors, food and beverage options, tables and chairs to enjoy your meal and drinks.

Click HERE to pre-register

ALL Classic Minis and 2002+ MINI Coopers get the Featured Marque spotlight at this year’s Champagne British Car Festival

The Festival’s car show is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and holds its awards ceremony at 2:30 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026

Awards – All registered vehicles will be entered into one of +/- 30 marque specific classes. Voting will be a “Popular Vote” by registered participants. The total number of Class awards will be based on the number of cars pre-registered.

Click HERE to pre-register

As with most car shows, the enthusiasts who volunteer their time and efforts have made the CBCF what it is today. The Champagne British Car Festival has become an annual event for many British car enthusiasts in the Midwest since 1991.

The CBCF receives significant financial and social media support from the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau each year. Our Festival wouldn’t be the same without them.

NEED TO REACH US?

Jim Broach Co-Chair: cbcftreas@gmail.com

Brian Davis Co-Chair: bjdavis@PaddysGarage.com

Alan Kleinschmidt Co-Chair ala

Join in the FUN! Dinners, Drives and Events